PW Travels

Putney Westerfield's Trip Reports

Cuba - January 1993

Why Cuba? The simple answer: suddenly it was possible to go! Not from the USA, but from Canada – or Nassau or Mexico. America could take no pride in its support of total dictatorship after winning the Spanish-American War. With no assistance from us, the Cuban people had to do it themselves, only to be subject to another form of dictatorship -- communism. However, that system did that provide housing, education and medical care. From 1959 onward the USA has not recognized the Cuban government, nor permitted any business dealings. Many of us have long believed that recognition would lead to economic progress and the overthrow of communism.
Havana’s history, dating back to the early 1500s, was also a major lure. Also the folklore of Ernest Hemingway, and Cuban music!!
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Cuba 1993